Scorpion Fish

The Scorpionfish family are one of the largest families of fish and contain some of the world´s most venomous fish species.

Generally, scorpionfish have ridges or spines on their heads and along their backs. Their dorsal fins also have upto 17 spines that are usually spread out from each other and the pectoral fins can have upto 25 rays attached. Some species like the lionfish, appear very attractive but like all scorpionfish, they have spines with venomous glands at their bases that are dangerous to touch and they use to protect themselves and catch prey.

Most species of scorpionfish are bottom-dwellers that eat crustations and little fish. The stonefish which is commonly found here in Mallorca, wait in disguise for their prey to pass by before swallowing them whereas other species, like the lionfish often ambush or herd their prey. Scorpionfish feed by opening their mouths then their gills a fraction of a second apart which creates a vacuum that they utilise to swallow.

Scorpionfish usually move slowly and cause little threat to divers. They can be painful if you accidently put your hand on one or stand on it by mistake as they can be very well camoflagued. We commonly find stonefish hidden under the rocks in Mallorca of all different sizes and colours.